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Tuesday

Running gear: 12 key features of the best sports bras for runners

Real lady runners may not be picky about fitness fashions,
or they may be. But females who fly across the miles, using their own two feet,
will likely be choosy about two things: sneakers and sports bras. Volumes of
sports shoe selection strategies abound. But what really counts, when it comes
to sports bras?

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NOTE: Written by this author, this copyrighted material
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Smart women runners
look high and low for these 12 key features in suitable sports bras.

Support. Save the compression fabrics for shorts, sleeves, and
tops. Compression sports bras really only work for the slimmest of women
with few or no upper curves. Besides, the uniboob look is out.

Sizing and Fit. The most functional running bras feature
actual sizes – not just small, medium, and large. Look for numbers and
even cup sizes, if possible.

Comfort. A smart shopper would never buy an everyday bra
without trying it on first for comfort. A sports bra needs to feel good
and stay in place when a women bends, stretches, and runs.

Sturdiness. Too many sports bras have removable cup pads,
which twist and slip out in the wash. The best styles contain sewn-in
cups.

Moisture wicking. Cotton is super for everyday wear, but
modern-day technical fabrics are better for running and working out.

Breathability. Cheap polyester is no bargain, when it comes to
a sports bra. Who wants to risk chafing and rashes?

Adjustable straps. These are hard to find among sports bras,
but well worth the search.

Closure. Over-the-head sports bras are difficult to put on and
take off, especially after sweating. Pick one that opens and closes in
front or in back, just like a regular bra, and the difference will amaze
you.

No inner seams or labels. This is a pet peeve among lady
runners. Well-constructed sports bras may have seams stitched to the
outside, so the inside remains smooth to prevent itching, rubbing, or
chafing.

Coverage. Modesty matters, especially during runs or other
rigorous physical activity. On the hottest days, lady runners may run
without tanks or tees over their sports bras. That pretty much rules out
skimpy ones.

X-straps or Racer-back Styling. Strap slippage can be a
constant annoyance on a run. If a sports bra has traditional shoulder
straps, they may need to be tied or clipped together.

Price. The right sports bra counts for plenty to a serious
female runner, so it may be worth the investment. Also, favorite sports
bra brand names may count with many lady runners. But even the top brands
can often be found at discounted prices, if a woman is willing to shop
around online or in stores. Here’s a tip: A savvy runner will scoop up
more than one sports bra at a time, if she finds the ideal style at a
super price.

Careful readers will notice that aesthetic details, such as
color and styling, did not make the list of 12 key features of the best sports
bras for runners. Sure, personal style counts for plenty, especially when a
lady runner’s warm weather ensemble leaves her sports bra partially or fully
visible. Still, aesthetics tend to come into play after the practical considerations
listed above.

A woman runner might skimp on apparel. She could win races
in cheap tees and hand-me-down shorts. But a smart sports bra is a worthy
purchase – the foundation of any female runner’s ensemble.

My 2017 Holiday Fitness Challenge

FINISHED on 12-23-17

Run the Year 2017 - COMPLETED

The goal was to run 2,017 miles in 2017. Done! (My year-end total was 2,050.)

October 2017 Burpees Challenge

Done!

Run the Year 2017 - January Streak Tracker

Completed!

My 2016 Holiday Fitness Challenge

Done.

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and other sites. With a B.A. in English and an M.S.J. in
Journalism, Linda Ann has worked as a professional writer for more than 30
years. Her portfolio includes thousands of print and online articles.

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